Suchergebnisse

Abstract
The European Commission (EC) asked EFSA to assess the genotoxicity of beauvericin (BEA). Relevant information, including that which has become available since the 2014 Scientific Opinion on the risks to human and animal health related to the presence of BEA and enniatins in food and feed, was reviewed. In the previous Opinion the Panel concluded that in vitro genotoxicity data were equivocal and there were no in vivo genotoxicity data available. New in vitro studies in mammalian cell lines provided no convincing evidence for induction of chromosomal damage by BEA as measured by micronucleus and chromosome aberration tests or an increase of DNA strand breaks as assessed by the Comet assay. In these studies, no concentration‐dependent effects or potential for interference from associated cytotoxicity were observed. In addition, DNA double‐strand breaks as measured by γ‐H2AX analysis were only observed following exposure to highly cytotoxic BEA concentrations. In vivo studies (Comet and Pig‐a assays, micronucleus test) with BEA were negative. In vitro gene expression studies showed no indication of a DNA damage response and (quantitative) structure activity relationship analysis was also not indicative of genotoxic potential. Some effects of BEA might play an indirect role in the formation of DNA strand breaks. These include increased reactive oxygen species, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, associated with interference in mitochondrial function and cell signalling. There was no compelling evidence of inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Taken together, the available data indicate that BEA is devoid of genotoxic potential.

Toxicity and Genotoxicity Testing of Roundup
Glyphosate, in the commercial formulation named Roundup, is a broad spectrum herbicide that is one of the most frequently applied pesticides in the world. However, there has been little evidence of Roundup toxicity or genotoxicity. Genotoxicity of glyphosate was carried out using the Escherichia coli SOS chromotest. The glyphosate-induced dose response in the SOS chromotest suggests that glyphosate possesses genotoxic properties. Glyphosate at a 0.2 g/l concentration in toxicity bioassay caused 50% mortality of Daphnia magna (LD50 after 24 h — 0.22 g/l; after 48 h — 0.19 g/l), but 0.25 — 0.5 g/l — 100% death of organisms (LD100 after 24 h — 0.5 g/l; after 48 h — 0.25 g/l). Our results (E. coli SOS chromotest and daphnia test system) together with recent animal studies and epidemiological reports suggest that glyphosate, especially, Roundup possesses both toxic and genotoxic properties.